Four Orlando 7-Eleven stores raided by ICE agents as part of nationwide immigration crackdown

On Wednesday, four Orlando-area 7-Eleven stores were raided as a part of a nationwide crackdown on companies hiring undocumented immigrants.

Of the four local stores that were a part of the raid, no arrests were reported in Central Florida. However, at least 21 arrests were made throughout the 98 stores raided nationwide, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Today’s actions send a strong message to U.S. businesses that hire and employ an illegal workforce: ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable,” Thomas D. Homan, ICE Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director, says in a statement.

He continues: “Businesses that hire illegal workers are a pull factor for illegal immigration and we are working hard to remove this magnet. ICE will continue its efforts to protect jobs for American workers by eliminating unfair competitive advantages for companies that exploit illegal immigration.”

The move by federal authorities is the latest in an increasingly strict crackdown on undocumented immigrants living stateside.

According to numbers provided by ICE, in 2017, arrests of undocumented immigrants increased by 75 percent.

ICE authorities in Central Florida could not immediately be reached for comment.